ESU’s Madelon Powers Gallery to Present First National Juried Exhibit

Posted by: Valentina Caval on October 7, 2013, 2 Comments

For the first time in its history, East Stroudsburg University’s Madelon Powers will be hosting a national juried exhibit, Marks, which will showcase new and current trends in contemporary drawing processes and techniques.

Reduced to its basic quality that separates it from every other medium, drawing is an act of making marks. Artists applying to the show were asked to consider the questions: “How has mark-making evolved through the centuries, and how are artists making marks in a contemporarily relevant manner?”

The selected drawings, which will be exhibited from Wednesday, October 9, to Thursday, November 14, represent a wide range of innovative responses from the obsessively analytical to the purely expressive.

Of particular interest are the works which move the dynamic of mark-making beyond the parameters of the flat surface like the work of artist Aljean Ryan, who will come from Colorado to install her work; or Star Varner of Texas, who uses her prowess with the lariat to create circular mark patterns on floor pieces.

The definition of the medium is also expanded upon in works by Rosemary Meza-DePlas who “draws” with human hair; in the digital drawings of Jim Pearson; or the dark, non-reflective carbon and wax surfaces of Ronald Gonzalez. Pocono artists featured in the exhibit include Miharu Lane, ESU associate professor emeritus of art, Lynn Palumbo and Penny Ross.

Hours for the gallery, located in the university’s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday.

A reception for the artists will be Wednesday, October 9, from 4-6 p.m. in the gallery. The reception will include a gallery talk by Ryan, and an awards presentation for the first-, second- and third-place works. Both the exhibit and reception are open to the public at no cost.

Gallery director Joni Oye-Benintende, associate professor of art, curated the exhibit and served as a juror. Darlene Farris-LaBar, assistant professor of art, also served as a juror.

For more information on the exhibit or reception, contact the Fine and Performing Arts Events Line at 570-422-3483 or esuarts@esu.edu.

2 Responses to “ESU’s Madelon Powers Gallery to Present First National Juried Exhibit”

Pat Pinciotti

pat pinciotti

The “Marks” show is exceptional. The quality of work and the creative take on drawing and lines sticks in my mind allowing me to mix in my own images and experiences of the same. Kudos to Joni and Darlene for a job well done! If you haven’t seen the show….GO NOW…it has sticking power!